West Lafayette's State Street Project starts up construction again

A sign alerts motorists of upcoming road closurer Friday, March 2, 2018, on McCorming Road in West Lafayette. McCormick Road south of Fairway Lane to Westwood will be closed beginning on Monday, March 5. Several road closures and traffic restrictions will begin next week as the final year of construction on the State Street Project gets underway.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier)Buy Photo

But according to city officials, the newest wave of construction isn't the worst piece.

For three years, West Lafayette has undergone a small facelift revolving around State Street.

"We've already gotten through the worst part," said Erik Carlson, West Lafayette's director of development.

State Street's closure last year allowed workers to make the road two-way from U.S. 231 to Tapawingo Drive.

The next phase mostly will close Stadium Avenue from McCormick Road to Tarkington Road.

Carlson said Stadium Avenue construction originally was planned to start after graduation, but officials decided to move things a little ahead of schedule.

"That way everything is done on Stadium for football," he said.

While using U.S. 231 for football games has worked, Stadium Avenue will allow more access and probably will be one of the main routes as well.

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Numerous stakes with ribbons line Stadium Avenue Friday, March 2, 2018, near Slayter Hill on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette. Stadium Avenue between McCormick Road and the Tarkington access road will be closed to traffic beginning on Monday, March 5. Several road closures and traffic restrictions will begin next week as the final year of construction on the State Street Project gets underway.(Photo: John Terhune/Journal & Courier)

McCormick Road will be closed at the intersection of Stadium Avenue for a one-lane roundabout to be built, which takes time, Carlson said.

A number of roads will have local access only. They are: McCormick Road from Cherry Lane to south of Fairway Lane; David Ross Road just north of Stadium Avenue; both of the recreational center access roads south of Stadium Avenue; the Tarkington access road south of Stadium Avenue; and Waldron Street south of Stadium Avenue.

The $120 million project is being split between the city and Purdue and is being financed by Plenary Roads, who's overseeing the project.

Under the terms of the public-private partnership, the developer is responsible for financing, developing and constructing the project, in addition to maintaining the pavement for 22 years following the project's competition. Plenary Roads State Street will transfer responsibility back to the city after the operations period.

Construction is planned to be completed by December 2018.

Around May 14, after graduation, more roads in that area will be worked on.